Final witnesses appear as post-conviction hearing for Zach Adams ends
HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — We have continuing coverage in the Holly Bobo case following Zach Adams’ appeal of his conviction.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Closing statements heard in Zach Adams’ post-conviction hearing
His hope is to be granted a new trial after his co-defendant, Jason Autry, recanted his testimony earlier this year, testimony that solely got Adams convicted to life without the possibility of parole.
Assistant Director over the Administration Division for the TBI, Michael Frizzell, is the first take the stand for the final conviction hearing and closing remarks in the Holly Bobo case.
Frizzell explains the TBI’s technical service unit that involves a digital forensic examination group and an Internet Crime Against Children’s group helped track Holly’s cell activity in connection with four pings mentioned in evidence.
Data shows movement from Swan Johnson Road in Darden, Tennessee traveling north, east, and then south to the cell tower where Holly’s remains were found.
“As I’ve said many times before, and I think I said it in the trial, and I’ll say it here again today. We don’t know where Holly’s phone was. I can’t pinpoint anybody’s phone; not Mr. Adams’, Mr. Autry’s, or Mr. Austin. I can’t tell you where they were,” said Frizzell.
A local fisherman was also called to the stand to offer testimony after hearing gunshots the day Holly Bobo was killed.
He says he was watching the news and realized he was in the vicinity of the shooting.
“On this particular day did something different happen?” asked Amy Weirich, prosecutor.
“Yes, I heard a gunshot when I was going up in this area here then I cranked on up because I really didn’t know anything about it at the time,” said Mitchell Hayes, witness.
“Was it usual to hear gunshots in that area where you were fishing?” asked Weirich.
“No, that was a federal gang reserve and hunting was prohibited there,” said Hayes.
Defense Attorney Doug Bates gives his closing remarks in the case.
“This ruling is not going to affect me. I’m going to go back to Hickman County and divorce people. I can tell you who is waiting on your ruling: Every dishonest member of law enforcement and prosecutor,” said Bates.
The state is confident that Adams conviction was fair.
“Zach Adams was afforded one of the greatest defenses, and defense presentations, and defense team work of any accused criminal in this state. Holly Bobo was not supposed to fight as hard as she did. Holly Bobo was not supposed to fight for her life,” said Weirich.
With all the evidence heard, Judge Brent Bradberry will decide within 90 or more days if Adams will be granted a new trial.
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